WHAT DOES AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP LOOK LIKE?

This article is brought to you by the St. Hubert Domestic Violence Ministry. Do you wish to join this ministry? For information, please contact the Ministry Coordinator at
ministryinfo@sainthubert.org.

PART THREE OF A THREE PART SERIES

All relationships exist on a spectrum from healthy to abusive, with unhealthy somewhere in the middle.

WHAT DOES AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP LOOK LIKE?

Abuse is occurring in a relationship when one partner:

Communicates in a way that is hurtful, threatening, insulting or demeaning.

Mistreats the other: One partner does not respect the feelings, thoughts, decisions, or opinions of the other.

Accuses the other of cheating or having an affair when it’s not true: The partner who accuses may hurt the other in a physical or verbal way.

Denies that the abusive actions are abuse: Blaming the other for the harm they’re doing, or making excuses for abusive actions.

Controls the other: There is no equality in the relationship. One partner makes all decisions for the couple without the other’s input.

Isolates the other partner: One partner controls where the other one goes and who they talk to. Isolating their partner from family and friends.

Forces sexual activity or pregnancy: One partner forces the other to have sex, or do anything they don’t want to do sexually at any point.

Exerts economic control: One partner controls the money and access to resources. Having an open dialogue about finances is not an option.

Engages in manipulative parenting: One partner uses the child(ren) to gain power and control over the other partner.

If you or someone you know is being abused, seek help today. In an emergency, please dial 911. For all other help, please call: Illinois Statewide Domestic Violence Helpline 877 TO END DV (
877-863-6338),
877-863-6339 TTY or call WINGS 24-hour hotline
847-221-5680.